Brest is located in Brittany, in north-west France. The city has a large commercial port, but it would be a shame to write it off as simply a modern industrial city – it has many historical monuments and other attractions, including an ancient castle and an aquarium, so for those who want to explore, car hire from Brest is a great option.
If shopping is more your pace, then Brest has everything you could want. The various shopping centres offer the big brands you'll be used to and if you prefer independent shops then take a trip to the suburbs, where you can find street markets and independent retailers.
Brest is on the Brittany coast, and just out to sea are many beautiful islands and headlands. If you're hiring a car from Brest, then the town of Morbihan is just under two hours away. From there you can take a drive down to the Gulf of Morbihan to rent a boat and see the tiny island of Gavrinis which hosts a Neolithic tomb covered in ancient carvings and paintings.
By renting a car from Brest, you can also take a trip to Belle-Île, which has 60 beaches and is a great day out for families and couples alike.
